STATEMENT OF CORRESPONDING APPLICATIONS

This application is based on the Provisional specification filed in relation to New Zealand Patent Application Number 570222, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FiELD

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for arranging articles. In particular, the present invention relates to a method of arranging articles in containers and can be incorporated into packing apparatus.

BACKGROUND ART

One method of packing articles into boxes involves randomly placing the articles into the box. This can be achieved manually or by hand. However, many articles such as kiwifruit or citrus have irregular shapes and therefore simply placing the fruit in the box produces inefficient packing arrangements. These inefficiencies are increased when using automated packing machines.

To overcome these issues, it is known to vibrate the box causing the fruit to adopt a tightly packed pattern or arrangement.

United States Patent No. 4,987,727 discloses an apparatus for packing citrus fruit into a box. The box is first filled randomly with objects such as fruit. The box is then subjected to vertical vibration of a selected frequency in order to settle and arrange the fruit in a box in a tightly packed pattern.

The fruit is allowed to vibrate up and down, although this occurs under a condition of limited suppression whereby the fruit cannot jump out of the box and yet at the same time are permitted sufficiently free movement to move within the box and settle into a tightly packed pattern. The vibration of the fruit is limited by providing a flat plate which moves downward towards the top layer of fruit. The plate is subjected to vibration of the same frequency and amplitude, as the box. The rate of decent of the plate is varied from a relatively fast rate at the beginning of the descent, to a slow rate as the plate moves into proximity with the top layer of fruit.

However, this apparatus packs fruit into the box with a flat top surface substantially near the top of the box.

Often boxes are stacked on top of each other in cool stores which have a moist environment. Over time, the combination of the fruit's weight and moisture causes sagging of the bottom of the boxes.

When the boxes are stacked on top of each other, sagging causes damage to fruit in the box below. This is expensive for growers and pack house operators.

Accordingly, it would be advantageous to have a method of packing articles which assists in minimising damage to the articles during storage.

It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country.

Throughout this specification, the word "comprise", or variations thereof such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of arranging discrete articles in a container, the method including the steps of:

(a) vibrating the container to cause movement of the discrete articles in the container;

(b) applying pressure to the discrete articles within the container;

wherein steps (a) and (b) occur substantially at the same time;

characterised in that the method causes the articles in the container to adopt a recessed configuration.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for arranging discrete articles in a container, including:

(a) a vibration source for vibrating the container to cause movement of the discrete articles in the container;

(b) an applicator for applying pressure to the discrete articles in the container; wherein the apparatus is configured to vibrate the container and apply pressure to the articles via the applicator at substantially the same time;

characterised in that the combination of pressure and vibration causes the discrete articles to adopt a recessed configuration.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for arranging kiwifruit in a container. Reference will be made herein to the discrete articles as being kiwifruit.

However, the foregoing should not be seen as limiting as alternatives for the articles are envisaged. These include citrus, persimmons, pears, or apples.

In a preferred embodiment, the container may be a box known to those skilled in the art.

In one embodiment, the box may have side walls and a bottom wall, with flaps pivotabie to top edges of the side walls. The flaps may be folded over to form a lid for the box.

Alternatively, the container may be a two part telescoping box, a box without flaps to form a lid, a crate, or other receptacle.

Preferably, the vibration source may be a vibration generator as should be known to those skilled in the art. In this embodiment the vibration source may have a plate on which the container can sit. Alternatively the vibration source may vibrate a conveyer configured to move a container through the present invention.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the vibration source may vibrate the container in a substantially horizontal manner. Alternatively, the vibration source may vibrate the container in a substantially vertical manner, or in a complex combination of vertical and horizontal vibrations. In a particularly preferred embodiment the vibration source may be adjustable so that parameters of vibration can be varied. For instance, the amplitude, duration and/or frequency of vibration may be varied.

In a particularly preferred embodiment the parameters of vibration may be varied according to characteristics of kiwifruit in the container.

The helps to maximise efficiency of the apparatus. Characteristics of fruit in the container include the total weight of fruit in the container, the number of fruit in the container, or the type of kiwifruit in the container.

For instance, in one embodiment the parameters of vibration may be programmed by an operator according to predetermined characteristics of the fruit in the container.

Alternatively, the present invention may include a sensor that detects characteristics of fruit in the container. In this embodiment, the characteristics of vibration may be changed according to the characteristics of fruit in the container.

Alternatively the parameters of vibration may be fixed and therefore the foregoing should not be seen as limiting.

Throughout the present specification, reference to the term "applicator" should be understood as meaning a component which can apply pressure to the kiwifruit within the container.

In a preferred embodiment, the applicator may be configured to move towards and away from the top surface of the fruit in the container. This is advantageous as it makes it easier for the container to be moved into and out of the apparatus.

This embodiment also assists the applicator to apply pressure to kiwifruit in the container. This should become clearer form the following description. In a preferred embodiment, the applicator may apply pressure to kiwifruit in the container in an orientation so as to cause these to adopt a recessed configuration.

This may be achieved by the shape/configuration of the applicator.

For instance the applicator may have a shape and/or configuration corresponding to the shape of the desired recess.

In one such embodiment, the applicator may be a frame having a plurality of members extending therefrom. In this embodiment, the frame and members may all be curved thereby providing the applicator with a substantially curved shaped.

In an alternate embodiment, the applicator may be a curved plate.

In both of the above embodiments the applicator has a curved shape and therefore assists in forming a curved recess in the surface of the kiwifruit.

In yet a further embodiment, the applicator may be a flat plate. However in this embodiment the flat plate may be at an angle to the horizontal. Therefore the applicator can apply pressure to fruit in the container at an angle to the horizontal to assist in creating a recess across the surface of the fruit.

The foregoing aspects of the present invention should become clearer from the following description.

Throughout the present specification, reference to the term "recessed configuration" should be understood as referring to an arrangement of the kiwifruit on which these have a recess in the surface provided all of the kiwifruit.

The term "recess" should be understood as meaning variation in the distance of the kiwifruit from an edge of the container across the box's width and/or length. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that reference to the term "recess in a surface of the articles" refers to the surface of two or more articles within the container. These two or more articles provides a mass. This term does not refer to forming a recess one article; such a recess would be detrimental to the quality of the fruit, and therefore counterproductive. Rather, it is a recess in a surface provided by a mass of two or more articles in the container.

The recess is the result of the articles having an irregular shape and that these can adopt a tightly packed arrangement which varies across the width and/or length of the container.

In the preferred embodiment, the combination of vibration and the application of pressure cause the kiwifruit to adopt a tightly packed arrangement, which has a recess in a surface of the kiwifruit.

In a preferred embodiment, the recess may be a curve between two edges of the box.

Alternatively, the recess may be a slope between side walls of the box, or a circular recess extending from the centre of the box to its side walls.

The inventor believes that it is the combination of vibration and the application of pressure that causes the fruit to adopt a tightly packed arrangement in the container, and that the arrangement provides creates a recess in a surface of the fruit. However the pressure is not so great as to damage the fruit in the container.

In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus may apply force to the container's lid and therefore indirectly apply force to kiwifruit in the container.

However it is also envisaged that the apparatus may apply force directly to the fruit prior to closing the container. The above variations allow the present invention to be used with different box types such as two part telescoping boxes or boxes without lids.

It is also envisaged that in one embodiment the applicator may vibrate at a frequency or amplitude corresponding to the vibration of the container. This may limit the application of pressure to the articles in the container and therefore minimise damage to these articles.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the present invention may use a clamp to secure the container to the vibration source. It is also possible that the applicator applying pressure to the container may also act as a clamp.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention may have a box closing mechanism. This assists the operation of the apparatus by helping to close the lid of the box prior to its vibration and the application of pressure to the fruit therein.

In one embodiment, the box closing mechanism may be a plurality of substantially L shaped members, and a flexible plate mounted to the applicator.

In this embodiment, the substantially L shaped members are able to lift the container lid so that that they can engage the box top, lift this, and fold it over the top of the box. This allows the applicator to apply downward pressure to and thereby close, the lid.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the substantially L shaped members may be able to move towards and away from the container independently of the applicator. This allows the applicator to close the box lid prior to the apparatus applying pressure to the fruit.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the flexible plate may be spring mounted to the applicator. This allows the plate to close the lid without hindering the application of pressure to fruit within the container. For example, the applicator moves toward the top of the container. The applicator touches the lid and applies sufficient pressure to close the lid. The applicator can then apply pressure to the fruit within the container.

After vibration of the container, the applicator moves away from the container.

An alternatively envisaged embodiment includes a flexible plate which can close the box lid prior to the applicator applying pressure to the fruit. The flexible plate may move independently or concurrent with the applicator. This may be a plate mounted on a frame moved by a hydraulic assembly, or otherwise mounted and moved.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention may have an article supply assembly configured to put articles into the container.

Preferably, the article supply assembly may be a chute or conveyer. In this embodiment the assembly may transport kiwifruit from a grading table or a harvester, and put these into the container.

Alternatively, the article supply assembly may be a singulator or other arrangement to transport kiwifruit and put these into the container.

Accordingly, the foregoing should not be seen as limiting.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention may include a container movement mechanism.

Throughout the present specification, reference to the term "container movement mechanism" should be understood as referring to one or more assemblies to transport and position a container in the apparatus.

In a preferred embodiment, the container movement mechanism may also move the container from the apparatus. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the container movement mechanism may be a conveyer belt.

However, the foregoing should not be seen as limiting and alternatives are envisaged including those where containers are moved in to and/or out of the packing apparatus manually by an operator.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention may be part of a series of packing machines. In this embodiment the articles are put into a container which is moved along a conveyer to be vibrated in the present invention.

Alternatively, the present invention may be incorporated into existing packing machines.

It should be appreciated from the foregoing description that the present invention has a number of advantages over the prior art. Firstly, the apparatus is cost effective to manufacture and operate. Therefore, it can be easily incorporated into existing packing machines, or pack houses.

In addition, the method and apparatus provides an improved arrangement of articles within the container. This is an efficient use of space within the container which will reduce transport costs.

Further, creating a recess in a surface of articles in the container minimises damage to these articles during their storage. Therefore, growers and retailers/wholesalers are not likely to suffer significant losses due to damaged fruit which cannot be sold.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a side view of the apparatus according to the present invention

Figure 2A- F are schematics showing operation of the apparatus and method for arranging articles within a container; and

Figure 3 is a diagram showing the storage of containers with articles packed therein according to the present invention.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for arranging discrete articles in a container.

In a preferred embodiment the articles are kiwifruit and reference will be made as such herein.

The apparatus (1) has a support frame (2). A vibration source (3) as known to those skilled in the art is secured to the frame (2) on mounting (4).

A conveyer {not shown) is configured to move a container (5) into and out of the apparatus (1). This can be repeated for a series of containers (5).

The vibration source (3) has a plate (6) which can receive the container (5).

An article supply assembly (not shown) is configured to put kiwifruit (7) randomly into the container (5) while it is within the apparatus (1). This provides a mass of kiwifruit in the container. The mass will be referred to as (7A).

The kiwifruit (7) have an irregular shape and therefore the random placing of these in the container can cause inefficient packing.

A clamp (not shown) secures the container (5) to the plate (6). The damp will limit lateral movement of the container (5) during operation of the vibration source (3). However, the container (5) still vibrates at a rate corresponding to the vibration of the vibration source (3).

An applicator (8) is mounted to an actuator (9) in the form of a hydraulic cylinder. The actuator (9) is configured to move the applicator (8).

The applicator (8) has a dish shape and curves along axes (9 and 10). the lowest point of the applicator (8) is at approximately, its centre (11).

Substantially L shaped members (12, 13) are mounted on actuators (14,15). The actuators (14, 15) can move the members (12,13) toward and away from the container (5) independently of the applicator (8).

Ends (16, 17) of the L shaped members (14,18) are curved to assist in lifting flaps (16,17) of the container (5).

The characteristics of the vibration source (3) may be altered. That is, the amplitude, duration, and frequency of vibration may be changed.

The characteristics of the vibration source can be changed depending on the characteristics of kiwifruit (7) in the container (5). The inventor has found that the following parameters for vibration provide particularly good results:

• duration of vibration in the range of 1 - 3 seconds;

• amplitude of vibration in the range of 4 - 7 millimetres;

• frequency of vibration in the range of 400-700 revolutions per minute.

Referring now to Figures 2A - F showing the operation of the apparatus (1) to cause the kiwifruit (7) to adopt a recessed configuration.

Figure 2A shows a container (5) holding randomly packed kiwifruit (7) within he apparatus (1).

The actuators (14,15) move the substantially L Shaped members (12,13) downward past the flaps (16,17) on the container (5). This is shown in Figure 2B.

The actuators (14,15) then move the members (12,13) upwards to the position shown in Figure 2C. In doing so, the ends (18,19) of the members, engage the edges of the flaps (16,17) and cause these to lift. The curve in members (12,13) assists in lifting the flaps (16,17).

Actuator (9) moves the applicator (8) towards container (5) so that it abuts the flaps (16,17). This pushes the flaps (16,17) down to close the container (5).

The actuator (9) continues to move the applicator (8) towards the container (5).

The vibration source (3) is turned on to causing the container (5) to vibrate.

The parameters of vibration are within the ranges set out above.

The applicator (8) continues to move downward applying pressure to the mass of kiwifruit (7A) within the container (5) as this is vibrated.

After a predetermined period of time, or when initiated by an operator, the vibration source (3) is turned off.

The applicator (8) is lifted up and away from the container (5) to the position shown in Figure 2F.

The combination of vibration, the application of downward pressure, and the shape of the applicator (8) combines to cause the mass of kiwifruit (7A) to adopt a recessed configuration. This ensures that the kiwifruit is tightly packed in the container (5), and that there is a recess in the top surface of the kiwifruit (7A). The recess is indicated by line (22) as shown in Figure 2F. It should be noted that the recess (22) is a curve.

The container (5) is moved out of the apparatus (1) using a conveyor (not shown). The above process can be repeated for multiple containers.

Figure 4 shows a plurality of containers (18 - 22) packed according to the present invention. The containers (18 - 22) are stacked on top of each other. Each container holds kiwifruit (7) having a recess (23 - 27) in a surface of the kiwifruit (7). The recesses (23 - 27) ensure that sagging of the containers (18 - 22) does not damage kiwifruit (7) in the container(s) below.

The efficiency of the present invention have been investigated by comparison to characteristics of fruit packed according to the present invention with fruit packed according to other methodology.

Exemplification trials involved packing fruit into containers using the following methodologies:

(a) a random autopacking machine,

(b) by hand, and

(c) a random autopacking machine in combination with the application of pressure and vibration according to the present invention.

In addition, containers packed using methodologies (a) and (b) were filled with more fruit than the methodology (b). For instance, methodology (a) and (c) involved placing 101 items of fruit in a container. However methodology (b) involved placing 107 items of fruit in the container. This is an increase in packing capacity of approximately 6%. Results of the investigations are summarised in the below:

Green - Autopacked vs Not vs Extra Pieces

Extra Pieces

Sum of Rots Sum of Sum of Softs Sum of Sum of SKD Sum of Sum of i Overripe Physical Compression Compression

Damage -minor -Major

Of particular importance is the sum of compression minor and major. This indicates that fruit packed according to methodology (c) provides improved fruit quality compared to other methods of packing.

This is a significant improvement as it ensures that fruit is not damaged during storage and transportation by the common problem of sagging.

In addition, the present invention is advantageous as it is cost effective to manufacture and operate, while being easily incorporated into existing packing machines or pack houses.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims.